Families who loved Breakaway by Andrea Montalbano often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child's competitive drive is starting to overshadow their kindness or when 'winning at all costs' is causing friction with teammates and friends. It is a perfect fit for the middle-schooler who is deeply passionate about a hobby but struggles to manage their intensity and frustration when things do not go their way. LJ is a seventh-grade soccer star whose identity is tied to being the best, but her aggressive behavior on and off the field is alienating those she cares about. Through an unexpected friendship with Tabitha, LJ begins to see herself through others' eyes. This realistic school story helps children ages 8 to 12 navigate the delicate balance between personal ambition and empathy, modeling how to take accountability for one's actions and rebuild damaged trust.